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Rip Currents Prove Fatal To Two Cape Hatteras National Seashore Swimmers

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By NPT Staff - July 22nd, 2016

Rip currents at Cape Hatteras National Seashore on North Carolina's Outer Banks have proved fatal to two swimmers, according to the National Park Service.

On Thursday a 67-year-old man was swimming with a younger male off Ocracoke Island when both were swept away in a rip current near Ramp 70 and the airport, a park release said. The younger man was able to swim to safety, and then called 911. Ocracoke EMS, Ocracoke Fire, Hyde County Sheriff Officers, Surf Rescue Lifeguards, and Park Service rangers responded and performed CPR. However, the 67-year-old not survive.

The second fatality occurred Friday afternoon. Dare Central was notified at 3:24 p.m. of a male caught in a rip current off of Sailfish Drive in Frisco. Hatteras Island Rescue, Dare County EMS, Dare County Sheriff's Officers, and Park Service rangers arrived on scene but were unable to resuscitate the 71-year-old.

“We are saddened by these tragic events, and our hearts go out to the families and friends of the victims,” said Outer Banks Group Superintendent David Hallac.

If you find yourself caught in a rip current, don’t swim against the current, the park release said. "Instead, remain calm and swim across the current, parallel to the shore, slowly working your way back to the beach at an angle. Signal for help if you need it."

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